Try spotting a star for the future in Ardee tournament
Inside Track | Joe Carroll
It may have a different name now, but for years the huge underage soccer tournament held in Coleraine was known as the Milk Cup. Not only does it attract teams from all over the place, England as well as this country, scouts, acting for the biggest of English clubs, are always on the sidelines, keeping their beady eyes out for talent.
If I’m not mistaken, Ryan Giggs was one of many stars of the future to take part. If Gaelic football was a professional sport, with its younger set not tied down to a particular club or county, you could be sure there’d be many spotters heading for tournaments similar to the one taking place in Ardee on next Saturday.
It’s not of course. The vast majority of players finish where they had started, doing it all for the love of the jersey they wear. And if there are senior honours to follow an apprenticeship, all the better.
St Mary’s have been staging their competition for the past four years. It’s for under-14s, and we wonder how many of those who took part in the first running have gone on to star at minor for club or county, and are now being earmarked for a promising career in adult football.
Teams from six countries, Louth, Meath, Dublin, Monaghan, Cavan, and Armagh, have entered and will play in Cup and Plate competitions, both in the name of Johnny Ross.
That’s apt. The late Johnny had a lifelong association with St Mary’s, playing football at underage level before going on to have a stellar outing in senior. His career was drawing to a close when he led Mary’s to victory in the first senior final to be played at St Brigid’s Park, over six decades ago. There should be a good sport at Pairc Mhuire on Saturday.